Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

How to foster transformative solutions in agriculture through the WEF-biodiversity nexus?

¹National University of Colombia, Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS), Colombia
²Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute, Colombia
³National University of Colombia, Economics Schools, Colombia
⁴Basque Centre for Climate Change - BC3, Adaptation Lab, Spain

Abstract

The expanded Water-Energy-Food-Biodiversity nexus emerges as a fundamental research category to explore the intersection between agriculture and environmental conservation and understand food provision landscape transformation due to cultural constructs. This systemic approach recognises that comprehending varying degrees of sustainability scenarios requires holistically integrating the essential elements of water-energy-food-biodiversity, acknowledging their interconnectedness and influence over the changes generated in Socioecological Systems. Participatory research was conducted among local stakeholders during the field phase in the Siecha River micro-watershed in Guasca, Colombia, aimed at collaboratively defining key elements and variables in agricultural transformation. Through stakeholder workshops and field visits, the interrelationships, and characteristics of sustainability transitions within the WEF-Biodiversity nexus were explored in the following central dimensions of analysis: (1) Utilisation of the natural environment, (2) Well-being and governance, (3) Benefits from the natural environment, and (4) Biodiversity conservation and management. Primary information gathering tools such as "The Little House" and "Relationships between the Nexus elements" were employed for this purpose. Findings suggested that the rapid shift towards agro-industrial activities in natural environments has disrupted the provision of ecosystem services and weakened the inhabitants' connection with nature. Despite facing socio-cultural and economic challenges that impact local identity and labour relations, the inhabitants still value the health and well-being benefits nature provides. They recognise the importance of cultural services, such as education and traditional ecological knowledge, which foster the territory's willingness to embrace sustainability transitions. Pollination is particularly valued as a crucial ecosystem service. Consequently, sustainable agricultural practices are being promoted, including the conservation of natural remnants, restoration of water sources, and the implementation of silvopastoral systems with small ruminants to control invasive plants. Considering the intricate challenge of establishing the elements and interrelationships in the WEF nexus, the need to address a holistic view of the study of sustainability agricultural transitions that recognises the inherent interconnectedness between human-nature relationships is evident. This approach transcends merely technical and economic considerations, also exploring the dynamics and social tissue that connect these elements, emphasising how relevant these transitions are for the well-being of the territories.

Keywords: Ecosystem services provision, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture practices, transformative solutions, water-food-energy nexus

Contact Address: Diana Cristina Moreno Vargas, National University of Colombia, Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS), Calle 44 # 45 – 67. Unidad Camilo Torres Bloque b2, Bogotá, Colombia, e-mail: dcmorenovunal.edu.co